Aids Probably Is Of No Special Risk To Health Workers

January 15, 1985|By G. Timothy Johnson, M.D.

DEAR DR. JOHNSON: What is the risk of AIDS being transmitted among health workers? I understand there is a case of a worker in a Boston commercial laboratory picking up AIDS from a contaminated needle.

might be at greater risk for the disease because we know AIDS can be transmitted by needles and contaminated blood products.

However, at present, there is no solid evidence that health workers are at increased risk for AIDS in any significant sense. The case you cited is of concern, but other studies of health workers have shown very low risk for AIDS.

For example, a study in the Jan. 3, 1985, issue the New England Journal of Medicine reported on 85 health workers who were exposed to AIDS patients in many different ways--including some who were accidentally stuck by contaminated needles. None currently show any evidence of AIDS, nor have their immune systems developed antibodies to the AIDS virus (a sign that infection with the AIDS virus has occurred).

At least to date, the risk of AIDS among health workers appears to be very, very low and may be no more than the risk to the general public.

DEAR DR. JOHNSON: Is it possible for women who have had their uterus removed (and, therefore, do not have periods) to still have premenstrual syndrome?

A--Certain experts believe this is possible. Physicians have documented the same symptoms of premenstrual syndrome in women who have had their uterus removed (a hysterectomy) as in women who still have their periods.

Thus, some suggest the premenstrual syndrome should be re-named the

``cyclic syndrome`` to include women without menstrual flow in the definition of the condition.

DEAR READERS: The November, 1984, issue of the Harvard Medical School Mental Health Letter--a new and interesting monthly publication on matters of mental health--summarizes an interview with psychotherapists to find out what they would seek in choosing a therapist for themselves.

As the article points out, they wanted someone ``warm and sympathetic who would talk instead of remaining silent.`` They also said they would look for a therapist who would ``immediately respond to them as persons and sympathize with their problems rather than make premature interpretations or draw attention to minor issues.``

Sounds like the professionals are just like the rest of the human race when it comes to choosing a therapist.